History of Colorado; Volume IV, Part 62

Author: Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 836

USA > Colorado > History of Colorado; Volume IV > Part 62

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

In his political views Mr. Munroe is a republican, having always supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church and to its teachings he loyally adheres. In all business affairs he has heen thoroughly reliable as well as enterprising and those who know him speak of him in terms of high regard.

AUGUST HATTENDORF.

August Hattendorf. numbered among the ranchmen of Adams county, was born in Germany, December 31, 1867, a son of George and Carlina (Weiland) Hattendorf. He came to the United States with his parents and the education that he received was obtained in the schools of Chicago. He afterward worked at Lincoln, Nebraska, for four years and then made his way to western Nebraska, settling in Cheyenne county, where he engaged in farming in connection with his father. About 1885 he came to Colorado and settled in Brighton, where he resided for a time and also at Fort Lupton until 1906, when he purchased forty acres of land near Brighton and has since devoted his time and attention to its cultivation aud improvement. His work is systematically done, productive of good results, and he is now meeting with a substan- tial measure of success.

In May, 1898, Mr. Hattendorf was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Costello, a daughter of John and Ellen (Kenahan) Costello, natives of England. To Mr. and Mrs. Hattendorf have been born five children: George E., who is now in the United States navy; Cecil; Albert; Rose; and John. Mrs. Hattendorf came to America with her people, arriving in Denver in 1894. Her parents are both now deceased. Mrs. Hattendorf is a Catholic in religious faith, attending St. Augustine's church at Brighton. Fraternally Mr. Hattendorf is connected with the Woodmen of the World and his political support is given to the democratic party, with which he has affiliated since attaining his majority. He is well known in the community in which he makes his home as an enterprising agriculturist and one who has gained his success by deter- mined and individual effort.

MARK M. MORRIS.

Mark M. Morris, postmaster of Henderson, where he is also engaged in mer- chandising, was born on the 30th of October, 1871, in the vicinity of the town in which he now makes his home, his parents being Richard and Rebecca (Truax) Morris. The father was born in Missouri, while the mother was a native of Ohio. They crossed the plains from Missouri to California in 1866 and returned eastward as far as Colorado in 1868, at which time Mr. Morris preempted eighty acres of land and also

)

MARK M. MORRIS

Vol. IV-33

514

HISTORY OF COLORADO

purchased a tract of forty acres. Upon that farm he resided to the time of his death and gave his attention and energies to its development and improvement, converting it into a rich and productive tract of land. He passed away April 6, 1882, and his wife died in November, 1888.

Mark M. Morris was educated in District School No. 8 of Adams county and also attended the Central Business College of Denver in 1893. When fifteen years of age he went to Dakota and lived with his brother, working there until 1891, after which he pursued his business college course. During the years 1894 and 1895 he farmed upon the home place and on the 6th of March, 1896, he purchased a general merchandise store at Henderson, which he conducted for thirteen years. In 1909, however, he was elected county commissioner for a term of four years and sold his store, concentrating his efforts and attention upon the faithful performance of his official duties. With his retirement from office in March, 1913, he purchased the store of which he had formerly been proprietor and has since successfully conducted it. On the 24th of December, 1914, he was appointed postmaster of Henderson and has since occupied that position: He also has fifteen acres of land which he farms. His time is thus busily occupied and his well directed energies are bringing to him a substantial competence.

On the 2d of June, 1898, in Denver, Mr. Morris was united in marriage to Miss Pruda Gilpin, a daughter of Samuel and Esther Ann (Yarrington) Gilpin. Mrs. Morris was born in Kansas and is a relative of the Gilpin family that figured promi- nently in connection with the early history of Colorado. Her father was a veteran of the Civil war. To Mr. and Mrs. Morris have been born five children: Mark Loren, Beulah Marguerite, Eula Esther, Lester Alfred and one who died in infancy.

Mr. Morris is a democrat in his political views and has served as school director and as treasurer of his school district. Fraternally he is connected with the Wood- men of the World. He turns to the hunting of big game for rest and recreation and greatly enjoys the sport but never neglects business or official duties for enjoyment.

ROBERT H. WEIR.

The duties of postmaster of Otis are ably discharged by Robert H. Weir, who came to this city in 1909 and was for a number of years connected with mercantile interests, thus contributing by his activities to the growth of his community. He is a native of Ontario, Canada, born February 14, 1859, a son of David and Christina (Richmond) Weir, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Scotland. The father came to the United States in 1869 and located near Estherville, Iowa, where he acquired landed interests. He had emigrated from Ireland to Canada when but a boy and in the Dominion he farmed until he crossed the border, making his way to Fort Dodge, Iowa, which was the nearest railroad terminal to his land. He improved his farm and suc- cessfully cultivated it during the remainder of his life, attaining a gratifying measure of prosperity. He passed away in December, 1899, his wife's death having occurred in April of the same year. They had a family of eight sons and one daughter.

Robert H. Weir was reared under the parental roof and removed with his parents to Iowa when ten years of age, receiving the greater part of his education in that state. He remained upon the home farm assisting his father in the cultivation of the fields until he was twenty-three years of age, at which time he decided to seek out newer fields for his activities. In 1882 he filed on a homestead, near Huron, South Dakota, on which he proved up, and this farm he cultivated until 1895, when he removed to Oberlin, Kansas, where he again acquired a farm, upon which he placed many im- provements and which he successfully operated for thirteen years. In 1909 he came to Otis and engaged in the mercantile business, perceiving the need of such an establish- ment in the community. He built a modern store and carried generally approved lines, trying to please his customers to the best of his ability. It was therefore but natural that success attended his venture and prosperity resulted from the enterprise. After having conducted his business for five years he was appointed postmaster and has since served as such, discharging his duties punctiliously, systematically and to the great satisfaction of the patrons of the office. In this connection it may be mentioned that his daughter was also at one time postmistress for two years.

On November 4, 1883, Mr. Weir was united in marriage to Miss Margaret J. Brown and to them were born six children: Anna, the wife of R. H. Hooker, an agriculturist of Washington county, Colorado; James D., who farms some twenty miles north of Otis; Eva, the wife of L. N. McLung, who is a successful carpenter of Otis, Colorado;

515

HISTORY OF COLORADO

Charles D., who follows agricultural pursuits in Washington county; Fred G., who is engaged in draying in Otis; and Maurice, who operates a cream station in Otis.

Mr. Weir is a democrat and stanchly supports the candidates of his party. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. As the years have passed he has become prosperous and today he owns the postoffice building and also the store building in which he formerly conducted his own enterprise, but which he now rents. He also has resi- dential property. In the growth of his community and the prosperity of his county he has always been interested and readily supports measures and movements for the benefit of the general public, proving himself thereby a valued citizen of the district in which he resides.

HON. CARLTON C. CALKINS.

Hon. Carlton C. Calkins, of Longmont, dating his residence in Colorado from 1871, has been prominently identified with various professional and business interests leading to the development and progress of the state. His name figures in connec- tion with banking and milling interests and also with much constructive engineering work. He was born in Saratoga county, New York, October 4, 1847, a son of Calvin P. and Elizabeth (Smith) Calkins, who were also natives of Saratoga county. The ancestor of the Calkins family in America came from Wales in 1636 and his descendants have since played an important part in the development of various localities. Calvin P. Calkins devoted his life to farming in Saratoga county, New York, where his grandfather settled in pioneer times. Four generations of the family were born and reared on the old homestead farm, which Calvin P. Calkins continued to cultivate throughout his entire life. He passed away June 20, 1877, while his wife survived until December, 1881.

Carlton C. Calkins was reared on the old homestead and completed his educa- tion in Union College, from which he was graduated as a civil engineer in 1868, being a classmate of George Westinghouse. In the same year Mr. Calkins removed to Chi- cago, where he sought a position as a civil engineer, but not successful in finding work along the line of his profession, he accepted a position as a farm hand at what is now Norwood Park, Chicago. He also taught in a country school in that locality and during the next year he rented land which he cultivated and also continued teaching for a time. While in Chicago with a load of produce he saw a card on a window advertising the "Chicago-Colorado Colony." He at once investigated, became a member of the colony and on the 11th of March, 1871, arrived in Longmont, Colo- rado, with his wife and little child. He built a modest home which is still standing and which was the birthplace of his oldest son, who was the first male child born in Longmont and the second nativeborn citizen. Mr. Calkins had no means at the time of his arrival in the west. He scorned no employment that would yield him an honest living and upon the foundation of unwearied industry and perseverance has builded his success. Three years after coming to this state he filed upon a tract of land, for which he obtained a patent signed by President U. S. Grant. This document is still in his possession. He made splendid improvements upon the place as the years passed by and brought his fields under a high state of cultivation. He also extended the boundaries of his farm from time to time by additional purchase until his holdings aggregated six hundred and forty acres, which he continued to develop and cultivate from 1876 until 1895. He engaged in general farming and in dairying and became very prosperous. In 1895, however, he retired from agricultural life and took up his abode in Longmont, where he resumed work along professional lines. He served as city engineer for a term of years and established the sewer system of the city, covering about fifteen miles. He also put in the sewer system in the town of Berthoud, Colorado.

In 1892-3 Mr. Calkins served as a member of the state legislature and so excellent was his record in the house that he was then nominated by his party for state senator, but he would not accept. He preferred to concentrate his efforts and attention upon business affairs. While he was residing on the farm the Farmers National Bank of Longmont was organized and he became one of its stockholders and directors and in both connections has since continued. In 1911 the directors bought out another bank which was known as the E & B Bank, but the name has since been changed to the American National Bank. Of this Mr. Calkins is also a stockholder and director. In 1885 he became associated with other farmers in building a flour mill in Longmont,

516

HISTORY OF COLORADO

which is yet in operation, and they erected a still larger mill in Denver. Mr. Calkins has continued a stockholder and director of the enterprise since its inauguration and has been secretary of the board most of the time, the business being conducted under the name of the Longmont Farmers' Milling & Elevator Company. Their interests have been gradually broadened and they now have mills in Utah besides those already men- tioned and fifteen elevators throughout Colorado.

In December, 1870, Mr. Calkins was married to Miss Catherine Boyce and to them were born five children: Benjamin W., a business man of Longmont; Herbert V., who is occupying a part of his father's farm; Ernest C., who is with the Standard Oil Company in California; Anna E., the wife of E. J. Estes, operating a creamery in Longmont; and Carlton, who died in infancy. The wife and mother passed away in February, 1906, and in November, 1908, Mr. Calkins was married to Mrs. Lilla (Davis) Katz. They have an adopted daughter, Lillian May, now attending school. Mrs. Calkins is a daughter of George M. and Sadie (Baird) Davis, natives of Massachusetts and of Michigan respectively. The father was a mechanical engineer and became a pioneer of Colorado, removing to this state with his parents in 1861, when but eight or nine years of age. He has since resided in Boulder county and for twenty-five years he has been the engineer of the Farmers' mill in Longmont. There was no town of Longmont at the time of his arrival in the state.

In politics Mr. Calkins maintains an independent course, voting according to the dictates of his judgment without regard to party ties. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and he is identified with the Masonic fraternity and the Be- nevolent Protective Order of Elks. In the former he has attained the Knight Templar degree of the York Rite and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. He has ever kept in touch with the trend of modern thought and progress and has become a forceful and prominent factor in the community in which he makes his home. For a long period he has especially studied irrigation projects and his efforts have been effective in pro- moting advancement along that line, while as a business man he has contributed in substantial measure to the material development and upbuilding of the state.

RALSTON B. DEATHERAGE.

Ralston B. Deatherage, who is devoting his time and energies to the development and improvement of a farm of four hundred and eighty acres in the vicinity of Derby, was born in Knox county, Illinois, October 17, 1870, a son of James W. and Catherine M. (Kuntz) Deatherage, whose family numbered six children and for their support the father devoted his attention to the occupation of farming. He spent his remaining days in Knox county, while the mother, now in her eighty-fifth year, is a resident of Golden, Colorado.

Ralston B. Deatherage pursued his education in the schools of Knox county, Illinois, to the age of twelve years and then removed with his half brothers, Richard and Oliver Callaghan to Clay county, Nebraska, where he resided for two years. On the expiration of that period he came to Colorado in the spring of 1885, and was em- ployed in the eastern part of the state for four years. He then took up his abode in Denver, where he devoted a year to teaming and afterward went into the moun- tains at the head of the Platte. He was at South Park and Leadville and drove a team into the Cripple Creek district when the city was nothing but tents. He afterward worked in mining towns for fourteen years, devoting his attention to mining and lumbering, and was also employed on the building of mountain roads for a year. He subsequently returned to Denver, where he engaged in the teaming business for eight years, hauling material for the Foster building, and he also did the excavating for the Robert W. Steele school. He next turned his attention to farming near Broom- field, where he remained for two years and then took up his abode on the Mahee ranch, which he leased for a year. He next removed to his present farm, leasing four hundred and eighty acres of land, of which he has two hundred and forty acres under a high state of cultivation. He also has one hundred and twenty-seven head of cattle upon his farm. When he first took up his abode upon this place he engaged exten- sively in the breeding of Percheron horses and he is now breeding Hereford cattle, having high grade stock upon his place. He also raises wheat, alfalfa, sugar beets and pinto beans, annually harvesting large crops, for his methods are thoroughly prac- tical and therefore resultant. He is familiar with the most improved methods of pro- ducing these crops and his harvests are most gratifying.

Mr. Deatherage was married to Miss Elizabeth Frey, a native of Summit county,

MR. AND MRS. RALSTON B. DEATHERAGE

518

HISTORY OF COLORADO

Colorado, and a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Gall) Frey, who had come from Michigan to Colorado in 1871, locating first in Denver, and then in Golden in the early seventies. In 1876, they removed to Summit county, locating near Montezuma, where the father spent the remainder of his years. The mother survives and continues to make her home on the old home place in Summit county. It was on the 7th of June, 1916, that Mr. and Mrs. Deatherage were married. They have many warm friends in the community in which they reside and their sterling worth is recognized by all. Mr. Deatherage gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but is not an office seeker, for he prefers to concentrate his time and efforts upon his busi- ness affairs, which have brought to him substantial and well merited success.

JOHN J. COFFEY.

John J. Coffey, a resident farmer of Adams county, was born in Mason county, Illinois, on the 28th of August, 1864, his parents being Daniel and Anna (Burkett) Coffey, who were natives of Ireland but came to America in 1857 and 1860 respectively. They crossed the country to Mason county, Illinois, and there were married August 15, 1863, and established their home upon a farm. The father devoted the succeeding thirty years to agricultural pursuits and was then called to his final rest in 1887. The mother is still living and now makes her home in Pocatello, Idaho, at the age of seventy-seven years. They had a family of seven children, five of whom still survive.

John J. Coffey was reared and educated in Illinois, passing through consecutive grades in the common schools until he became a high school pupil. He arrived in Colorado in 1898 and after a brief stay in Jefferson county, settled in Adams county, since which time he has improved the farm whereon he now resides and, adding to his possessions as his financial resources have increased, he has become the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation and is well irrigated. His ditch system furnishes an adequate water supply and the land is kept highly productive through the rotation of crops and through the cultivation of such cereals as are best adapted to soil and climate.

Mr. Coffey has been married twice. In 1893 he wedded Miss Georgia Milleson, a native of Illinois, and they became the parents of two children: Leo, who follows farm- ing on part of his father's land; and one who died in infancy. The wife and mother passed away in Illinois in February, 1897, and was laid to rest in the New Lebanon cemetery in Mason county. In 1899 Mr. Coffey was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Louisa (Spinner) Foster, the widow of Sherman T. Foster, by whom she had four children: Charles D .; Ora M .; Dora, who is a twin of Ora and is the wife of William Fuller; and Effie, the deceased wife of H. M. Peterson.

Mrs. Coffey is a member of the Congregational church, while the religious faith of Mr. Coffey is that of the Catholic church. In politics he is a democrat and has served as county commissioner, while for thirty years he has been a member of the school board. His interest in the welfare of the community is manifest in many tangible ways and his efforts have brought good results. At the same time he has carefully and wisely conducted his business affairs and his unfaltering labor has been the broad foundation upon which he has builded his present-day success.

WILBERT B. SPRINGER.

Wilbert B. Springer, an enterprising merchant of Timnath, was born March 6, 1888, in the town in which he still makes his home. He is a son of Richard C. and Martha (Shea) Springer, who were natives of New Jersey. The father came to Colo- rado in 1883 and settled in Larimer county, purchasing land in the vicinity of Timnath. This he improved, continuing its cultivation until 1914, when he retired from active business life and removed to California, where he now makes his home, enjoying a well earned rest. He was long regarded as one of the substantial citizens of Larimer county and for nineteen years and nine months he held the position of postmaster. He was likewise interested in a mill here and in various other ways contributed in sub- stantial measure to the growth and development of the district. In 1904 he erected a fine store building and also became interested in the business that was carried on in the block which he had erected. In 1909 he and his son purchased the stock and the latter has since conducted the business. Richard C. Springer was ever actuated by a

519

HISTORY OF COLORADO

spirit of progressiveness combined with indomitable energy and recognized and utilized opportunities which others passed heedlessly by. His wife passed away September 13, 1916.

Wilbert B. Springer was reared in Timnath, where he has spent his entire life. At the age of eighteen years he entered the railway mail service, being thus employed for two years, when in connection with his father he purchased the store which he now conducts. He carries a large stock of goods and enjoys an extensive patronage. His business methods will hear the closest investigation and scrutiny, and his energy and determination have produced good results. In addition to a line of general merchandise he also handles harness and farm machinery.

In June, 1909, Mr. Springer was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Keyes and they are highly esteemed residents of the community, enjoying the hospitality of its best homes. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Springer also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masons, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party, which finds in him a stalwart advocate.

JOHN LAMB.

John Lamb, living on section 7, township 7, range 67, in Weld county, seven miles east of Fort Collins, was horn in Ohio, January 2, 1859, a son of Owen and Alphronia (Lamonion) Lamh, who were natives of Ireland and of Rochester, New York, respect- ively. The father was a contractor who came to America in young manhood and set- tled in Ohio, where he engaged in contracting and building, also operating a stone quarry. After living for some time in Ohio he removed to Illinois, where he remained for several years and then went to Iowa, settling at Atlantic, where his death occurred in March, 1881. His wife passed away in June, 1882.

John Lamb was reared and educated in Ohio and remained with his parents until he attained his majority, when he took up farming in Iowa on his own account. There he cultivated a tract of rented land for three years and in 1883 he came to Colorado, after which he engaged in mining in Boulder county for three years. He then bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Weld county-a wild tract upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made. He at once began its development and has since continued its cultivation, transforming it into productive fields and rich pasturage land. He makes a specialty of feeding sheep, to which he has given his attention for twenty 'years.

On the 4th of December, 1889, Mr. Lamb was married to Miss Amy Luella Garber, a daughter of David H. and Elizabeth E. (Winder) Garber, the former born in Pennsylvania, while the latter is a native of Iowa. Her father followed carpen- tering and farming in Iowa and in Kansas and in 1888 removed to Colorado, settling in Aspen, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring May 22, 1889. His widow survives. Mr. and Mrs. Lamh have become the parents of seven children: John E., who was born December 19, 1890, and is with the United States army in France; Marcellus M., whose birth occurred March 11, 1892, and who also served his country, being stationed at Fort Worth, Texas, and now is in Ault, Colorado, where he is engaged with his brother in the harness business; Francis R., who was born May 27, 1893, and conducts a harness and vulcanizing business at Ault. Colorado; Hugh W., who was horn January 10, 1894, and is with the United States army in France; Alphronia E., whose natal day was December 6, 1896; Mary A., born July 15, 1898; and Sarah A., whose birth occurred on the 9th of July, 1900.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Colorado; Volume IV, Part 62

Author: Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed Publication date: 1918 Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Number of Pages: 836

Author: Stone, Wilbur Fiske, 1833-1920, ed
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 836